How are Statins Taken? Take your medicine as directed. The medicine comes in tablet or capsule form. Do not open capsules, or break or chew tablets, before taking the medicine. Most people who take statins do so once a day. Some should be taken at night, but others can be taken anytime.
How should I take statins?
The medicine comes in tablet or capsule form. DO NOT open capsules, or break or chew tablets, before taking the medicine. You take statins once a day. Some should be taken at night, but others can be taken anytime. They come in different doses, depending on how much you need to lower your cholesterol.
Can you open statins before taking?
DO NOT open capsules, or break or chew tablets, before taking the medicine. You take statins once a day. Some should be taken at night, but others can be taken anytime. They come in different doses, depending on how much you need to lower your cholesterol.
What are Statins and how do they work?
Statins are medicines that help lower the amount of cholesterol and other fats in your blood. Statins work by: Statins block how your liver makes cholesterol. Cholesterol can stick to the walls of your arteries and narrow or block them.
Are You a candidate for statin drugs?
Sixteen million Americans now take Lipitor, the most popular statin, and drug company officials claim that 36 million Americans are candidates for statin drug therapy.
How should statins taken?
Most statins should be taken once every 24 hours. Depending on the particular medication and dosage, you may need to take your statin twice a day. Certain statins work better when taken with a meal. Others work best when they're taken at night.
How do you administer atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take atorvastatin at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
How are statins prescribed?
Doctors often prescribe statins for people with high cholesterol to lower their total cholesterol and reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke.
What to check before giving a statin?
Before starting to take statins, you should have a blood test to ensure your liver is in a relatively good condition. You should also have a routine blood test to check the health of your liver 3 months after treatment begins, and again after 12 months.
Why statins are given at bedtime?
So, why do people take statins at night? Many statins work more effectively when they are taken at night. This is because the enzyme which makes the cholesterol is more active at night. Also, the half-life, or the amount of time it takes for half the dose to leave your body, of some statins is short.
What are the doses of statins?
Dosage and strength 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 60mg and 80mg tablets. 10mg and 20mg chewable tablets.
What is the most commonly prescribed statin?
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) It is still one of the most commonly prescribed statins, and though not as inexpensive as simvastatin (Zocor), the generic price has continued to drop.
What foods should be avoided when taking statins?
Grapefruit juice is the only food or drink that has a direct interaction with statins. Statins do not directly interact with any food but people taking statins should moderate their intake of saturated fats to help lower their LDL cholesterol and overall risk of cardiovascular disease.
When should a statin be prescribed?
Providers prescribe statins for people who: Have high cholesterol (LDL above 190 mg/dL) that exercise and diet changes couldn't reduce. Had a stroke, heart attack or peripheral artery disease. Have diabetes and an LDL of at least 70 mg/dL and are 40 to 75 years old.
Do statins lower BP?
Conclusion: Statins lower blood pressure by cholesterol-independent mechanisms, and the reduction is larger in individuals with higher blood pressure and those with low HDL-C. Statins may be beneficial in preventing hypertension and may contribute to better blood pressure control in hypertensive patients.
What are the negative side effects of taking a statin?
Side effects can vary between different statins, but common side effects include:headache.dizziness.feeling sick.feeling unusually tired or physically weak.digestive system problems, such as constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion or farting.muscle pain.sleep problems.low blood platelet count.
What is considered dangerously high cholesterol?
A person is considered at high risk for developing heart disease if their total cholesterol level is higher than 240 mg/dL, LDL levels are higher than 160 mg/dL (190 mg/dL is even higher risk), and if the HDL level is below 40 mg/dL.
What should I avoid when taking atorvastatin?
While taking atorvastatin (Lipitor), avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods as part of your overall treatment. You should avoid large quantities of grapefruit or grapefruit juice, which can increase the risk of serious side effects. Also, avoid excess alcohol use, as this may cause serious liver problems.
How much atorvastatin should I take?
Adults—At first, 10 or 20 milligrams (mg) once a day. Some patients may need to start at 40 mg per day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 80 mg per day.
What is atorvastatin 20 mg used for?
Atorvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as "statins." It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver.
What are the most common side effects of atorvastatin?
Common Lipitor side effects are diarrhea, upset stomach, muscle and joint pain, and changes in some blood tests, according to Pfizer Inc....Common Side Effects of LipitorCold-like symptoms.Joint pain.Diarrhea.Urinary tract infection.Stomach pain.Nausea.Muscle pain and spasms.Difficulty falling and staying asleep.
Should You Be on A Statin?
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Healthy Lifestyle Is Still Key For Preventing Heart Disease
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Consider Statins A Lifelong Commitment
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The Side Effects of Statins
Statins are well-tolerated by most people, but they do have side effects. Some side effects go away as the body adjusts to the medication. But alwa...
What Other Benefits Do Statins have?
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Weighing The Risks and Benefits of Statins
You should not take statins if you are pregnant or have some forms of advanced liver disease.When thinking about whether you should take statins fo...
How do statins work?
By Mayo Clinic Staff. Statins are drugs that can lower your cholesterol. They work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol. Lowering cholesterol isn't the only benefit associated with statins.
How old do you have to be to take statins?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends low- to moderate-dose statins in adults ages 40 to 75 who have one or more risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease and at least a 1 in 10 chance of having a cardiosvascular disease event in the next 10 years.
What is the best cholesterol level for a heart attack?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Aim to keep this "bad" cholesterol under 100 mg/dL, or 2.6 mmol/L. If you have a history of heart attacks or you're at a very high risk of a heart attack or stroke, you may need to aim even lower (below 70 mg/dL, or 1.8 mmol/L).
Can you take statins if your cholesterol is high?
If your cholesterol — particularly the LDL ("bad") type — stays high after you make healthy lifestyle changes, statins might be an option for you.
Do statins lower cholesterol?
Lowering cholesterol isn't the only benefit associated with statins. These medications have also been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. These drugs may help stabilize the plaques on blood vessel walls and reduce the risk of certain blood clots. A number of statins are available for use in the United States.
Do you need statins if your LDL is low?
If your risk is very low, you probably won't need a statin, unless your LDL is above 190 mg/dL (4.92 mmol/L).
Is knowing your cholesterol numbers a good place to start?
Knowing your cholesterol numbers is a good place to start .
Overview
Statins (HMG CoA reductase inhibitors) are prescription medicines that people take to bring their cholesterol down to normal levels. Some statins can decrease your LDL (bad) cholesterol by 50% or more. Different brands of statins are on the market, as well as generic statins, which cost less.
Recovery and Outlook
Your cholesterol level will go back up if you stop taking statins. You’ll probably need to keep taking them for years to come.
When to Call the Doctor
While you’re taking statins, you should contact your provider if your muscles or joints hurt or if you feel weak, have a fever or your urine is dark.
What is statin medicine?
Statins are a type of prescription medication that can lower a person’s risk of heart disease. They do this primarily by reducing a person’s low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. There are several different types of statin on the market, which the body may process differently.
How effective are statins?
Studies have shown that statins are effective in improving a person’s cholesterol levels: A large-scale 2017 study found that statins can reduce the risk of heart disease by 27 percent by decreasing LDL levels . The authors of a 2010 meta-analysis.
How do statins help the body?
Statins block an enzyme in the liver that makes cholesterol, which reduces the risk of plaque buildup. Statins may also help the body remove cholesterol that has started to accumulate in the arteries. Conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or good, cholesterol can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Why do statins work at night?
Short-acting statins work better at night because the liver enzyme that produces cholesterol is more active at this time. Most short-acting statins have a half-life of 6 hours. A medication’s half-life is the time that it takes for the body to process and remove half of the medication. Short-acting statins include:
How long have statins been used?
Doctors have been prescribing statins for more than 30 years, and these medications are generally safe and effective with a low risk of serious side effects.
How much does statin affect heart disease?
These drugs reduced the risk of heart disease by 13 percent in people at low risk, 29 percent in those at medium risk, and 48 percent in the participants whose risk was high.
How to keep cholesterol in check?
Whether or not they are taking statins, people can help keep their cholesterol in check by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthful diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables.
How do doctors decide who is prescribed a statin?
We determine on an individual basis which patients have the greatest need and who would benefit most from taking statins. We weigh these benefits against the known risks for each patient before we consider prescribing the medication.
How are doctors sure that statins really are safe and beneficial?
In fact, more than 170,000 people who take statins have been studied in detail and for extended periods of time. We certainly know the benefits of statins.
Can statins increase my risk for memory loss or dementia?
Memory and cognitive symptoms from statin use are very uncommon, and it is unclear if statins are really the culprit. When symptoms have been reported, they’re typically not severe and usually resolve when the statin dosage is adjusted or the medication is switched.
Do statins cause cancer?
There is no evidence to suggest that taking statins increases cancer risk. Several studies suggest possible benefits for patients who take statins and are currently fighting cancer; research is ongoing as to whether statins actually may help prevent cancer.
Why do doctors focus on my LDL cholesterol?
Some cholesterol is necessary for normal cell and body function. But too much cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which results in heart disease, heart attack , and stroke.
Why is statin therapy important?
A blocked artery can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Statin therapy helps control the bad cholesterol of patients who are at high risk for heart disease, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular events. In general , the lower your LDL levels, the better off you will be.
What are non-statin cholesterol medications?
The two drugs, Repatha and Praluent, block or reduce PCSK9 activity in order to lower LDL cholesterol by more than 50 percent and potentially reduce cardiovascular risk. These drugs are not pills; they are taken via monthly or twice-monthly injections. Outcomes data for PCSK9-inhibiting drugs are not yet available, but we are looking forward to seeing those results within the next few years. Currently, these drugs are FDA approved for those with ASCVD or those with a genetic cholesterol problem called familial hypercholesterolemia whose cholesterol levels are not controlled enough by a statin.
How to lower LDL cholesterol?
While statins can be very effective in lowering LDL cholesterol, you can also manage your cholesterol using alternative treatments or through lifestyle modifications. Diet plays an important role in blood cholesterol levels. Your diet should be packed with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish.
What are the medications that help lower cholesterol?
Statins and cholesterol. Statins are prescription medications that help to lower cholesterol. They specifically target low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. That’s the bad kind. When you have too much LDL cholesterol, it can build up in the walls of your arteries. This can lead to decreased blood flow.
How do statins help?
Statins work in two ways: They inhibit an enzyme that your body needs to produce cholesterol. They may also help reduce plaque that has built up in your arteries. This plaque is made up of cholesterol. As a result, statins can help lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
How long does a statin last in the morning?
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are more potent than older statins. They have half-lives of at least 14 hours.
How long do statins last?
Some statins have half-lives of less than six hours. These statins are best taken at night.
What do you need to know about statins?
What you need to know about taking statins. The most important thing you need to know is that statins aren’t all the same. That’s why you should thoroughly read the materials that come with your prescription. Follow directions carefully for maximum effectiveness.
Why do statins work at night?
Others work best when they’re taken at night. This is because the cholesterol-making enzyme is more active at night. Also, the half-life, or the amount of time it takes for half the dose to leave your body, of some statins is short.
How to prevent statin side effects?
Try coenzyme Q10 supplements. Coenzyme Q10 supplements may help prevent statin side effects in some people, though more studies are needed to determine any benefits of taking it. Talk to your doctor first to make sure the supplement won't interact with any of your other medications.
What drugs interact with statins?
Some drugs that may interact with statins and increase your risk of side effects include: Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), a medication for irregular heart rhythms. Gemfibrozil (Lopid), another variety of cholesterol drug.
Can statins cause heart attacks?
Having too much cholesterol in your blood increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Statins block a substance your liver needs to make cholesterol. This causes your liver to remove cholesterol from your blood. If you think you're experiencing side effects from statins, don't just stop taking the pills.
Does statin help with heart attack?
Sign up now. Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks. Statins are effective at lowering cholesterol and protecting against a heart attack and stroke, although they may lead to side effects for some people. By Mayo Clinic Staff.
Can statins cause liver damage?
While statins are highly effective and safe for most people, they have been linked to muscle pain, digestive problems and mental fuzziness in some people who take them and may rarely cause liver damage.
Do statins increase blood sugar?
Statins prevent heart attacks in people with diabetes, so the relevance of the mild increase in sugar values with statins observed in some people is unclear. The benefit of taking statins likely outweighs the small risk to have the blood sugar level go up. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Can statins cause diabetes?
It's possible your blood sugar ( blood glucose) level may increase when you take a statin, which may lead to developing type 2 diabetes. The risk is small but important enough that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning on statin labels regarding blood glucose levels and diabetes.
How does statin work?
The step from HMG to mevalonate requires an enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase. Statin drugs work by inhibiting this enzyme–hence the formal name of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Herein lies one potential for numerous side effects, because statin drugs inhibit not just the production of cholesterol, but a whole family of intermediary substances, many if not all of which have important biochemical functions in their own right.
How many people take Lipitor?
During the last 20 years, the industry has mounted an incredible promotional campaign–enlisting scientists, advertising agencies, the media and the medical profession in a blitz that turned the statins into one of the bestselling pharmaceuticals of all time. Sixteen million Americans now take Lipitor, the most popular statin, and drug company officials claim that 36 million Americans are candidates for statin drug therapy. What bedevils the industry is growing reports of side effects that manifest many months after the commencement of therapy; the November 2003 issue of Smart Money magazine reports on a 1999 study at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London (apparently unpublished), which found that 36 percent of patients on Lipitor’s highest dose reported side effects; even at the lowest dose, 10 percent reported side effects. 3
Why is Lipitor bad for the heart?
Cardiologist Peter Langsjoen studied 20 patients with completely normal heart function. After six months on a low dose of 20 mg of Lipitor a day, two-thirds of the patients had abnormalities in the heart’s filling phase, when the muscle fills with blood. According to Langsjoen, this malfunction is due to Co-Q 10 depletion. Without Co-Q 10, the cell’s mitochondria are inhibited from producing energy, leading to muscle pain and weakness. The heart is especially susceptible because it uses so much energy. 15
What are the side effects of Lipitor?
The most common side effect is muscle pain and weakness, a condition called rhabdomyolysis, most likely due to the depletion of Co-Q 10, a nutrient that supports muscle function. Dr. Beatrice Golomb of San Diego, California is currently conducting a series of studies on statin side effects. The industry insists that only 2-3 percent of patients get muscle aches and cramps but in one study, Golomb found that 98 percent of patients taking Lipitor and one-third of the patients taking Mevachor (a lower-dose statin) suffered from muscle problems. 4 A message board devoted to Lipitor at forum.ditonline.com (update 09 JUL 2007: reader alerted us the forum is now defunct) contained more than 800 posts, many detailing severe side effects. The Lipitor board at www.rxlist.com contains more than 2,600 posts (click on Message Boards at upper left and then choose Lipitor; also note that as of 09 JUL 2007 there are 3,857 messages).
What are the consequences of taking statins in a long period of time?
The child represents an extreme example of cholesterol inhibition, but his case illuminates the possible consequences of taking statins in strong doses or for a lengthy period of time–depression of mental acuity, anemia, acidosis, frequent fevers and cataracts.
Do statins reduce cholesterol?
Of course, statins inhibit the production of cholesterol –they do this very well. Nowhere is the failure of our medical system more evident than in the wholesale acceptance of cholesterol reduction as a way to prevent disease–have all these doctors forgotten what they learned in Biochemistry 101 about the many roles of cholesterol in the human biochemistry? Every cell membrane in our body contains cholesterol because cholesterol is what makes our cells waterproof–without cholesterol we could not have a different biochemistry on the inside and the outside of the cell. When cholesterol levels are not adequate, the cell membrane becomes leaky or porous, a situation the body interprets as an emergency, releasing a flood of corticoid hormones that work by sequestering cholesterol from one part of the body and transporting it to areas where it is lacking. Cholesterol is the body’s repair substance: scar tissue contains high levels of cholesterol, including scar tissue in the arteries.
What to do before stopping statins?
Your doctor may suggest that you implement certain lifestyle changes before stopping the statin, or directly in place of the drug. These changes might include adopting an exercise program or modifying your diet. For example, the AHA suggests following a Mediterranean diet or vegan diet.
How to stop statins?
Talk with your doctor. If you want to stop taking your statin for any reason, talk with your doctor . If your doctor thinks it’s safe for you to consider changing your statin usage, they can help guide you. Reducing your dosage, adding supplements, or stopping the drug altogether might all be options.
What is the best cholesterol medication?
ezetimibe, another cholesterol medication. a fibric acid supplement such as fenofibric acid, which can lower LDL levels and increase HDL levels. a slow-release niacin supplement, which can lower LDL levels, increase HDL levels, and lower triglyceride levels.
What to take for high cholesterol?
For instance, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following options for people with high cholesterol who cannot take statins: 1 ezetimibe, another cholesterol medication 2 a fibric acid supplement such as fenofibric acid, which can lower LDL levels and increase HDL levels 3 a slow-release niacin supplement, which can lower LDL levels, increase HDL levels, and lower triglyceride levels
How to lower cholesterol?
Lowering your cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, or weight loss could eliminate your need to take statins or other cholesterol medications . If you can do that, that’s great! Reducing your cholesterol levels in this way can help reduce your overall risk of a heart attack, stroke, or blocked arteries while allowing you to take one less medication.
What are some medications that lower cholesterol?
Popular statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor). Statins work in two ways. First, they stop the production of cholesterol in your body. Second, they help your body reabsorb the cholesterol that has built plaques in your ...
Can you take statins for years?
Many people take statins for decades without having any side effects or issues. For those individuals, the medications can be a very effective form of treatment and prevention for cholesterol problems. Others may not have the same experience with statins. People who decide to quit taking statins may have several different reasons for doing so.
